As a result of overcoming astronomical odds throughout my life, I decided that it was time to put an inspirational-self help book together.

The making of this book actually got started in 2000 and has seen numerous revisions/edits not only with the manuscript itself but also with the title. Thanks to my recent win with Simpleology’s “BeTheNextBestSellingAuthor” video competition (see the entry video here and see the results of the contest here), I am now on track to make my dream of publishing a book a reality because they have custom-made their Bestselling Blueprint just for me.

The first step along this process is to make it available via e-book and then turning it into a hardcover copy, hopefully through a mainstream publishing house.

At this stage, the manuscript is almost 200 pages and contains several bite-sized chapters, “Chicken Soup” style, each of which ends with a life lesson I learned. They range from the impact others have made on my life to daring risks I took to some of the most embarrassing moments. Many of these stories were first written during the early 1990s, shortly after I quit Wall Street.

Here are a couple of testimonials:

Inside this book are gritty life-lessons from a guy who has a much tougher life than you. Your mission: stop complaining about your life until you’ve read this. Mark Joyner, Founder of Simpleology

Stephen Hopson and I met in 1996 in Orlando at the National Speakers Association Convention. He had told me at that time his dream was to learn how to fly. I encouraged him to follow his aviation dreams. He did and succeeded above and beyond what I could imagine for someone who has been deaf since birth. Stephen shows you how to face and overcome adversity in your own personal life and in business. This is a fascinating read no matter what your age or level of experience. Howard Putnam - Former CEO Southwest Airlines - Speaker - Author: “The Winds of Turbulence“

In a world stuffed to the brim with hundreds of thousands of self-help, inspirational books, it is refreshing to enjoy Stephen Hopson’s unique sense of humor, his unbridled optimism, and his insight that comes from not just intellectual knowledge, but really living what he teaches every single day. I wonder if there’s every a day that Stephen Hopson isn’t smiling. If there is, I bet you and I would never see it. Reading his book will add a smile to your day, and if you live by his principles, you’ll probably be smiling more than you were before. Azriela Jaffe, speaker and author of twelve books

If you want to be inspired, empowered and entertained, read Stephen Hopson’s Obstacle Illusions! His energy, enthuaisum, and can-do spirit is the ultimate prescription for facing life’s challenges. Arielle Ford, creator of www.everythingyoushouldknow.com

After countless revisions, changes and edits, they will soon be put together in a cohesive fashion with never seen by the public photos (in the e-book).

As of May 26, 2008 a major publisher and literary agent have both asked to see my book proposal.   They are currently reviewing it and will get back to me.

Meanwhile, here’s a look at the proposed table of contents:

Acknowledgments

Preface: “Take a Little Trip with Me”

Part I

• The Jordan Factor
• Power of Persistence
• You’re FIRED!

Part II

• Dare Take Risks: Swimming Championships
• Be The First to Admit You are Wrong
• Bad News

Part III

• It’s Okay to Stumble Along the Way
• The James Bond Lady with Red Lips and Red Wine
• Bluffing Ain’t Gonna Get You Anywhere

Part IV

• Everybody You Meet Has a Lesson Plan for You
• Never Underestimate the Power of Making a Difference
• Scrounging Up the Courage to Be Brave and Take the Leap
• Things Don’t Always Turn Out the Way You Plan
• The Grandmotherly Client From Hell
• Goodbye Wall Street!

Part V

• The World is Conspiring to Bless You If You Just Believe
• The Tale of the Lost Driver’s License: Everything Happens for a Reason
• Praying the Price for Your Dreams
• Have Courage to be Upfront - Car Loan
• Blizzard Housecleaning

Part VI

• The Flight Instructor Who Believed in Me
• Life is a Great Adventure or Nothing
• Overconfidence is Just as Bad as Not Enough
• Adversity at the Barber Shop
• The Leeza Show - Attitude of Gratitude

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